Siberian ginseng, also referred to as eleuthero, has a long history of use in China and other eastern countries, particularly Russia. This herb has a distant relation to other types of ginseng but has different chemical compounds, essentially making it very different from the American and Asian varieties. Like any herbal supplement, you should talk to your doctor or other knowledgeable health care provider before taking Siberian ginseng, particularly if you have any medical conditions or currently take any conventional medicines.
Components
Siberian ginseng supplements come from the root of the plant. It contains the richest source of the beneficial compounds called eleutherosides, which appear to stimulate the immune system. This herb also contains polysaccharides, a chemical that boosted immune function and lowered blood sugar in animal tests, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC.
Traditional Uses
Siberian ginseng falls under the category of adaptogens---substances that improve the body's resilience against mental and physical stress. It has a long history of use in Russia for this purpose and people take it to fight off and prevent illness, increase energy and improve overall vitality and well-being.
Scientific Studies
Studies have been conducted on Siberian ginseng, mainly in Russia and other Asian countries. They indicate this supplement might have benefit in treating some conditions, but studies have produced mixed results, according to the American Cancer Society. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, human studies indicate this herb might boost immune function in healthy adults and reduce the length of colds. It also noted a study of 93 herpes simplex two sufferers who saw a reduction in the length and severity of outbreaks during a six month period of taking the herb. Lastly, human studies indicate the herb might also help with mental alertness, memory and physical performance, but more research in those areas is required.
Dosing
The University of Maryland Medical Center advises against giving this supplement to children. It recommends adults take 500mg to 3,000mg of the dried root, 100mg to 200mg twice a day of a standardized extract containing .8 to 1 percent eleutherosides capsule or tablet or a half to 1 tsp. of the tincture two to three times a day. The center recommends taking it for three months at a time followed by a two to three week break. You should consult with a health care provider for guidance if you decide to use this herb.
Precautions
The American Cancer Society notes that taking this supplement in the normally suggested doses does not seem to pose any major problems. Commonly reported problems include trouble sleeping, headache, diarrhea and nervousness. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that other possible side effects include high blood pressure, nosebleed, irregular heartbeat, confusion and vomiting.
Talk to your doctor before taking Siberian ginseng if you take digoxin, blood thinners or sedatives to treat insomnia. Combining these treatments can increase the effects of the conventional medicines, resulting in potentially dangerous side effects. Siberian ginseng appears to have blood-sugar lowering properties, so you should discuss supplementation with your doctor if you take medicine for diabetes.
Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Member Comments